A plane passenger has been arrested after customs agents found 18 small exotic birds hidden in his luggage that he was trying to smuggle into France.
The man, a Belgian national whose name was not disclosed, was seized at Sao Paulo Guarulhos International Airport in Brazil, on 18th October.
Federal Police said they discovered the animals during an X-ray inspection of baggage when several small boxes containing biological material appeared on screen.
Upon searching the luggage, officers found 18 native Brazilian birds being transported in precarious conditions.
Footage shows the boxes with the birds inside.
The suspect, a Belgian national intending to board a flight to France, did not present any authorisation for the capture or transport of the animals.
He was detained and taken to the Federal Police station on suspicion of environmental crimes.
Authorities said the man had visited Brazil 11 times since 2023.
The birds, including two little tanagers, five green-headed tanagers, seven golden tanagers, two red-necked tanagers, and two brown tanagers, were found in a weakened state.
The Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (Ibama) confirmed the birds were native species with declining populations.
They were taken into the agency’s care for treatment and recovery.
The Belgian suspect is to appear before a court and may face charges of animal cruelty, receiving stolen goods, and crimes against wildlife.
To find out more about the author, editor or agency that supplied this story – please click below. Story By: Joseph Golder, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency: Newsflash
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